Gezicht op de Stephansdom in Wenen, Oostenrijk 1851 - 1900

Editor: Here we have an undated gelatin silver print from sometime between 1851 and 1900, attributed to A. Wimmer, showing the Stephansdom in Vienna. The sepia tones and architectural details create a somewhat somber mood, wouldn't you agree? What elements stand out to you, visually? Curator: The first element that strikes me is the emphatic verticality, almost an aggressive reach towards the heavens. Observe how the spire utterly dominates the composition, relegating the surrounding structures to supporting roles. The sharp contrast between the intricately detailed cathedral and the comparatively plain facades of the adjacent buildings directs our eye upward. The formal elements achieve a sense of awe and grandeur. Don’t you agree? Editor: I see what you mean, the sharp lines of the cathedral practically demand attention. It makes the buildings on the left feel almost…mundane by comparison. What about the use of light, or lack thereof? It feels so uniform. Curator: Precisely. The even lighting flattens the image somewhat, denying dramatic chiaroscuro effects. This allows for a democratic distribution of detail; every surface, every window, is rendered with meticulous clarity. This stylistic choice draws attention to the textures and patterns inherent in the architecture itself. How does that contribute to the feeling of the photograph for you? Editor: I suppose that without shadows, the emphasis shifts to the meticulousness, the almost obsessive rendering of details. The eye doesn't rest; it’s constantly traveling. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Not all photographs are candid slices of life, are they?